Introduction
The twelfth article of the Baptist Confession of Faith focuses on God’s gracious work of adoption. This topic seldom receives the attention it deserves in the preaching and teaching of the churches. That is, perhaps, because it is seldom mentioned by name in the Bible, but the concept appears often. We will explore this important doctrine by examining the main passage in which it appears and will also include other passages in the sermon for a thorough explanation.
The hymns and Scriptures selected as elements of the worship service focus on the gracious work of the Father who adopted us into his family.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: 1 John 1:1-3
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 2 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
Note: We begin the service with an anthem that offers praise to the King of Heaven. As we greet him with adoring worship, we remember the grace he extends to us as our Father:
Father-like, He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows,
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Widely as His mercy flows!
Worship through Giving
Hymn 670 Behold the Throne of Grace!
Note: John Newton reminds us that we belong to a God “who loves to answer prayer.” We approach with boldness, remembering that the One to whom we pray is our Father.
Behold the throne of grace!
The promise calls us near!
To seek our God and Father’s face,
Who loves to answer prayer.
Scripture Reading Galatians 3:21-4:7
Note: God sent his Son into the world to redeem us, thus freeing us from the Law. More than that, adopted us as his children by his indwelling Spirit. This is the basis of our prayers today and our inheritance tomorrow.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 417 Behold the Amazing Gift of Love
Note: First John 3:1-3 is the basis of this hymn. God calls us his sons—and that is what we are! We do not yet know what we shall be like when he appears, but this we know: we shall be like him for we shall see him face to face.
Message: Adopted by God the Father
Romans 8:12-17
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 174 Arise, My Soul, Arise
Notes: The risen and exalted Christ is seated in heaven. He intercedes for us in his session before the Father’s throne, keeping us secure and giving us the confidence to draw near to God and call out, “Abba, Father.”
Prayer Response: Mike Towry
Benediction: John Miles